When can the death of a leased property's owner lead to lease termination?

The death of a leased property’s owner can lead to lease termination in specific situations, and leasing under an estate at will is one such case. An estate at will is a type of lease that grants the tenant occupancy of the property without a fixed time period, and it can be terminated at any time by either party, often with just notice. When the property owner dies, the lease typically ends because the legal relationship established by the estate at will is tied to the owner. The new owner may not wish to continue the lease under those terms, or the tenancy may not be viable without the original owner.

In contrast, leases that are for a definite period, such as month-to-month agreements or those with fixed terms, are generally not terminated by the owner’s death, as the rights under those agreements can often be transferred to the heirs or new owners. This understanding underscores the contingent nature of an estate at will relative to the life of the property owner.